Der Spiegel ponders an Obama visit to Europe. The article discusses the political tightrope for the German chancellor and the delicate balance of considerations in supporting Obama (who is madly popular in Europe) too overtly:

"Chancellor Angela Merkel, whom Obama will definitely meet, is well aware of his radiance. But she can't afford to give him an over-exuberant reception because that could alienate President George W. Bush, who only just visited her a few weeks ago during his European farewell trip and whose father, former president George H.W. Bush, is due to attend the July 4 opening of the new US embassy in Berlin.

Besides, too much cheering for Obama would be an affront to McCain. Merkel can't afford to be as outspoken as her government's coordinator on trans-Atlantic relations, Karsten Voigt, who said recently that Berlin welcomed any US presidential candidate -- especially Obama.

One conservative US foreign policy expert smiled at the thought that such considerations might make Merkel refrain from meeting the Democratic candidate. He recalled the controversy caused last year by her decision to meet the Dalai Lama. "If the Chancellor can meet the Dalai Lama, she should be able to meet Barack Obama." ".

Grin for the day.


A